This Week in Startups

The $97 Billion VC Panel | E1987

Jul 31, 2024

Dana Johns, Head of Private Equity in New Jersey, and Tom Loverro, Partner at IVP, delve into the thrilling world of venture capital. They discuss the resurgence of secondary pricing, hinting at an optimistic market revival. The duo also explores the impact of cybersecurity investments and how evolving dynamics affect startup independence. With insights on investor strategies and the balance of product development versus sales, they shed light on navigating the complexities of capital allocation while keeping an eye on emerging sectors.

01:08:25

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Episode guests

Tom Loverro

Dana Johns

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Quick takeaways

Recent trends indicate a recovery in the VC market, with secondary pricing signaling increased investor confidence and liquidity options for startups.

Effective succession planning within VC firms is critical for long-term stability and safeguarding investor interests amidst evolving market conditions.

Cybersecurity investments are rising sharply due to the increasing complexity of software systems and the critical need for robust data protection solutions.

Deep dives

Market Trends and Recovery in Venture Capital

Recent trends in the venture capital market indicate signs of recovery, especially in the secondary market. The median price for companies' secondaries rose from a 46% discount to a 31% discount, suggesting increased investor confidence. Funds dedicated to secondary investments have also seen significant activity, with major players like Industry Ventures and Stepstone raising substantial funds to focus on venture secondaries. This uptick in secondary pricing could signal a broader normalization in primary valuations, providing hope for renewed liquidity in the VC ecosystem.

Invest for the Long Haul, Not the Short Game

01:16

Strategy Defines Success, Not Fund Size

01:23

Intro

2min

Revitalizing Venture Capital: The Secondary Market Surge

8min

The Balance of Product Creation and Sales Success

2min

Dynamics of Venture Capital Secondaries

8min

Navigating Capital Allocation and Founder Independence

4min

Navigating Venture Capital Dynamics

13min

Navigating Startup Board Dynamics and the Surge of Cybersecurity Funding

2min

Cybersecurity, IPO Trends, and Startup Strategies

22min

Navigating Venture Capital Funding Strategies

7min

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Todays show:

David Weisburd hosts Dana Johns, Tom Loverro, and Jason Calacanis to discuss secondaries (2:37), VC leverage against startups (23:44), venture capital strategies (29:34), cybersecurity investments (38:03), and more!

Timestamps:

(0:00) David Weisburd intros Dana Johns, Tom Loverro, and Jason Calacanis

(2:37) Secondary pricing signaling a potential VC recovery

(9:53) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.squarespace.com/twist

(11:02) Timeframes, returns for secondary funds, and founders' secondary sales

(15:32) Increasing liquidity in private markets

(22:42) Google Cloud - Accelerate your startup journey with the Google for Startups Cloud Program. Apply at https://startups.google.com/twist

(23:44) VC leverage against startups is near an all time high

(29:34) Venture capital strategies, succession planning, and valuation in the Goldilocks zone

(37:11) Brex - Get the business account trusted by 1 in 3 US startups at https://www.brex.com/twist24

(38:03) Cybersecurity investments, IPO window, and M&A market dynamics

(51:28) Lightning round on latest investments